Healthcare at Your Fingertips:

The age in which we live in has created many conveniences, especially related to technology. Our phones have become hand held computers; we have the ability to reach anyone, anywhere, anytime in the world; and the human connection continues to increase as technology continues to improve. With that said, it only makes sense that a business or individual entity would utilize this to reach their clients, much like previous companies featured on Startuptb.com. Many healthcare providers are now also taking advantage of technology to reach their patients in various ways, and companies like Health Hero have created tools to help them in doing so. Health Hero “provides smart, multi-channel, and integrated health engagement experiences that are powerful, beautiful, and simple to deploy for patients – in seconds.” Health Hero allows providers to communicate test results, consultations, and increase patient involvement in their treatment. It should also be noted, like other startups that we have featured, that Health Hero also focuses on employee health for companies and engagement in their well being by encouraging activity through risk assessments, biometrics, and challenges, among other activities.

Image Courtesy of: https://www.crowdfunder.com/healthhero#kpis

Health Hero seeks to address preventative care by providing solutions to companies and individuals that promote behavioral change. It is estimated that 75% of healthcare costs are related to chronic, preventable illness. If an innovative approach to wellness is able to inspire behavioral change, the benefits would be immeasurable. Since preventable illness is the source of such significant expenditures in healthcare, not to mention a major loss to quality of life to those that the illness affects, concepts like Health Hero can literally be life saving innovations. Changing habits that contribute to chronic and preventable illness begins with changing behaviors. If Health Hero is able to continue to create buy in from potential clients the way it already has, it appears that these positive outcomes will continue to improve the lives of many people in our community and beyond. What other benefits can come from prevention, rather than treatment? Where else do you see this concept being useful?

Peerfit: Workouts, Your Way.

The benefits of health, wellness, and regular exercise, are constantly the focus of recent news, articles, and daily life. However, for many, life can get in the way of developing a regular fitness routine. Luckily, there’s a new startup that aims to resolve this too common dilemma. Peerfit offers different levels of membership, beginning with creating an account. After the account is created, clients have the ability to purchase credits, which can then be used to purchase classes at local fitness studios. “Peerfit is a community that helps people discover the best fitness classes and motivates them to attend and share. For anyone who seeks freedom from the typical workout routine, Peerfit is the easy, flexible way to customize a premium fitness experience.” This innovative startup concept also allows for variety while also providing motivation to consistently get moving.

In addition to individual memberships, Peerfit offers corporate memberships. Recently, more employers have started to offer company sponsored memberships or reimbursements for spending on gyms or group classes. This is beneficial to companies for several reasons. First, it encourages activity and the overall well being of employees, saves money due to the fact that this service is “pay as you go,” and lastly, it serves as a method of socialization and team building for coworkers. In examining all of the benefits, it is safe to assume that involvement in an activity such as Peerfit is an obvious morale booster and activity in which coworkers can socialize, set, and meet goals. Additionally, this creates a more positive and engaged organizational culture.

Photo Cred: https://pulse.peerfit.com/how-peerfit-uses-fitness-to-drive-employee-engagement-2/

In further exploring Peerfit’s website, it appears that this exciting startup has something for everyone; be it the individual, corporation, or group. This leads us to wonder- does it seem like this model for company fitness lends itself to more involvement and positive outcomes than previous, more traditional ideas for team building and wellness?